This week on Cyber Frontiers our discussions on hacks and leaks heats up as Christian, Ashton, and Jim weigh in on the Ashley Madison leak. We talk about the data from a high level, and some of the trend analysis that has already been done regarding the data leak. This leads us into a conversation about AI chatbots, and in this case, female bots programmed to lure men to the Ashley Madison website. We speculate a bit on how the leak was conducted, leading us to a mildly (un)related conversation about DDoS attacks and why they are still an issue. Albeit some technical issues and Christian’s attention span issues on the show this week – we came out on the other end with a show not worth missing! Cyber Frontiers is all about Exploring Cyber security, Big Data, and the Technologies Shaping the Future Through an Academic Perspective! Christian Johnson, a student at the University of Maryland will bring fresh and relevant topics to the show based on the current work he does. Please leave a REVIEW (iPhone or iPad) – ;type=Podcast&ls=1&mt=1 Support the Average Guy Tech Scholarship Fund: WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? We now have Video Large / Small and Video iTunes options at You can contact us via email at or call in your questions or comments to be played on the show at (402) 478-8450 Full show notes and video at Listen Mobile: Ashley Madison Leak SC article Female Bots – DDos attacks SC ddos prevention Blackhat presentation on DDoS circumvention Jim’s Twitter: #!/jcollison Contact Christian: Contact the show at Find this and other great Podcasts from the Average Guy Network at Music courtesy of Ryan King. Check out the Die Hard Cafe band and other original works at: /

This week on Cyber Frontiers Christian is joined by Ashton and Jim to discuss the security and privacy of Microsoft’s latest creation – Windows 10. We dive deep into whether the OS is really secure, specifically looking at the new technologies available in the OS, privacy agreements shipped with the product, and whether or not Windows 10 is a product or hybrid cloud service. We even try to decide if Christian believes Microsoft created a Windows 10 privacy snafu versus a fully fledged debacle. Ashton counters the Microsoft storyboard with a review of Apple OS privacy to date, and makes similar comparisons to what has been revealed in Windows 10. Furthermore, we discuss some of the emerging Man-In-The-Middle (MITM) attacks taking place on cloud providers, and what this may mean for cloud enabled operating systems like Windows 10. We wrap up on a positive note though, and discuss USA network’s new psychological cyber security thriller Mr. Robot! Cyber Frontiers is all about Exploring Cyber security, Big Data, and the Technologies Shaping the Future Through an Academic Perspective! Christian Johnson, a student at the University of Maryland will bring fresh and relevant topics to the show based on the current work he does. Please leave a REVIEW (iPhone or iPad) – ;type=Podcast&ls=1&mt=1 Support the Average Guy Tech Scholarship Fund: WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? We now have Video Large / Small and Video iTunes options at You can contact us via email at or call in your questions or comments to be played on the show at (402) 478-8450 Full show notes and video at Listen Mobile: Windows 10 Privacy Debacle — Not just Windows: Yosemite concerns Unsaved documents shared uploaded to apple servers as part of “hand-off” service List of concerns and workarounds for yosemite. Even disabling spotlight searching and using duckduckgo does not save you from having your searches sent to apple. Mr. Robot on USA Network MITM Attack on Cloud providers — Attacks on network instead of computers Jim’s Twitter: #!/jcollison Contact Christian: Contact the show at Find this and other great Podcasts from the Average Guy Network at Music courtesy of Ryan King. Check out the Die Hard Cafe band and other original works at: /

This week on Cyber Frontiers Christian is joined by Ashton and Jim to cover a variety of hot topics on the cyber frontier. Ashton first gives us a deep dive into his technique for visualizing various computer binaries and code using his own Binary Art creation. We quickly bridge the gap to how it relates to reverse engineering, and specifically discuss where reverse engineering is highly applicable in many of today’s security issues. Christian then takes a deep dive into the Jeep and Chrysler car hacks, discussing not only the challenges in security engineering of these devices – but what the implications are for the global Internet of Things (IoT). We get a bit technical, a bit philosophical, and super fun as always! Cyber Frontiers is all about Exploring Cyber security, Big Data, and the Technologies Shaping the Future Through an Academic Perspective! Christian Johnson, a student at the University of Maryland will bring fresh and relevant topics to the show based on the current work he does. Please leave a REVIEW (iPhone or iPad) – ;type=Podcast&ls=1&mt=1 Support the Average Guy Tech Scholarship Fund: WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? We now have Video Large / Small and Video iTunes options at You can contact us via email at or call in your questions or comments to be played on the show at (402) 478-8450 Full show notes and video at Listen Mobile: Jim’s Twitter: #!/jcollison Contact Christian: Contact the show at Find this and other great Podcasts from the Average Guy Network at Music courtesy of Ryan King. Check out the Die Hard Cafe band and other original works at: /

This week on Cyber Frontiers Kevin joins us to bring to a close a fantastic three part series on how cutting edge technologies are being received and adopted in the enterprise. In this segment, we take a look at how current cloud computing solutions are powering the enterprise. We evaluate different solutions, what communities are currently driving the market, and the roadblocks associated with implementing certain architectures. We also tie in key conversations from the previous two episodes to see how other technologies like SDN are playing a major role in re-designing the cloud and the data centers they operate on. We have some good laughs, some tongue twisters, and a lot of great conversation around an expansive topic! Cyber Frontiers is all about Exploring Cyber security, Big Data, and the Technologies Shaping the Future Through an Academic Perspective! Christian Johnson, a student at the University of Maryland will bring fresh and relevant topics to the show based on the current work he does. Please leave a REVIEW (iPhone or iPad) – ;type=Podcast&ls=1&mt=1 Support the Average Guy Tech Scholarship Fund: WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? We now have Video Large / Small and Video iTunes options at You can contact us via email at or call in your questions or comments to be played on the show at (402) 478-8450 Full show notes and video at Listen Mobile: OpenStack has been getting a lot of grassroots IT support. Will it make it in the long run? What is Next Generation-Agile-Converged-Private Cloud datacenter? Why do I care? What is OpenStack? What HyperVisors are supported? What about storage Block vs Object? Network environment: OpenStack predictions: Their growth reflects a hearty appetite for public cloud computing, while Red Hat peddles private clouds to CIOs that still believe they must run behind their firewalls. It’s a growth business for Red Hat, but given private clouds’ dismal success rate, it’s unclear for how long. Interesting Vendors: Mirantis: ;program=PPC&campaign=Brand&adgroup=mirantis&keyword=mirantis&matchtype=e&network=g&device=c&placement=&placementcategory=&adposition=1t1&gclid=CjwKEAjwhbCrBRCO7-e7vuXqiT4SJAB2B5u7bAlQKSbipHfYcwcJXHgllxF-hG0uEyohFdkUyuCTfhoCSM7w_wcB StrataScale Jim’s Twitter: #!/jcollison Contact Christian: Contact the show at Find this and other great Podcasts from the Average Guy Network at Music courtesy of Ryan King. Check out the Die Hard Cafe band and other original works at: /

This week on Cyber Frontiers Kevin Schoonover joins us again to cover part two of our series investigating how up and coming technologies are being incorporated into enterprise IT environments. In particular, we look at where we’ve been with data infrastructure in the last five years, and what the future holds in store. With discussions around the rapidly changing infrastructure and hardware design for data analytics, as well as the security and reliability of information that has become an increasingly valuable commodity, we quickly pick up where we left off in episode 20 for a jam packed hour of insight and conversation. Cyber Frontiers is all about Exploring Cyber security, Big Data, and the Technologies Shaping the Future Through an Academic Perspective! Christian Johnson, a student at the University of Maryland will bring fresh and relevant topics to the show based on the current work he does. Support the Average Guy Tech Scholarship Fund: WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? We now have Video Large / Small and Video iTunes options at You can contact us via email at or call in your questions or comments to be played on the show at (402) 478-8450 Full show notes and video at Listen Mobile: Hadoop has been good, but what is next? What about KROLL E-discovery division? Lexis/Nexis seem to be getting in the game? Are Cloudera, HortonWorks and Pivotal all locked on Hadoop? EMC made a big splash with GreenPlum: We will move from “big data” to firehose-sized signals processing HDFS/GFS had a focus on the JBOD cluster, these types of techniques will still be important for “archival” based big data. Signals processing will most certainly be all in-memory. Other topic, the impact of IoT on Big Data and intern programs for Data Scientists. Jim’s Twitter: #!/jcollison Contact Christian: Contact the show at Find this and other great Podcasts from the Average Guy Network at Music courtesy of Ryan King. Check out the Die Hard Cafe band and other original works at: /

This week on Cyber Frontiers the usual crew is joined by Kevin Schoonover, Director of Engineering at Arrow ECS, to discuss how new technologies are (or aren’t) making their way into the enterprise IT spotlight. We talk about differences in relational vs. object oriented data stores, implementations of software-defined-networking, and what driving factors (cost, ease of use, adaptability) are pushing certain technologies to the forefront. We also look at what job roles will become more important as these technologies become mainstream. The talk encompasses the ‘challenges of a real IT department’ – and provides an interesting context to how the enterprise is evolving in response to newer trends in computing. With Kevin’s personality and expertise in the subject area combined with the hosts’ usual candor, it’s a show you won’t want to miss! Cyber Frontiers is all about Exploring Cyber security, Big Data, and the Technologies Shaping the Future Through an Academic Perspective! Christian Johnson, a student at the University of Maryland will bring fresh and relevant topics to the show based on the current work he does. Support the Average Guy Tech Scholarship Fund: WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? We now have Video Large / Small and Video iTunes options at You can contact us via email at or call in your questions or comments to be played on the show at (402) 478-8450 Full show notes and video at Listen Mobile: Jim’s Twitter: #!/jcollison Contact Christian: Contact the show at Find this and other great Podcasts from the Average Guy Network at Music courtesy of Ryan King. Check out the Die Hard Cafe band and other original works at: /

This week on Cyber Frontiers, Christian is joined by Ashton, Jim, and special guest Jeremy Krach live from the floor of Bitcamp – one of the largest hackathons on college campuses in the USA. Albeit technical difficulties, we get behind the scenes access to Bitcamp and covered the opening of the event. If you’ve never been to a Hackathon before or want to know why they are relevant to solving today’s computing challenges – this is a great show to cover what getting your hack on is all about. Cyber Frontiers is all about Exploring Cyber security, Big Data, and the Technologies Shaping the Future Through an Academic Perspective! Christian Johnson, a student at the University of Maryland will bring fresh and relevant topics to the show based on the current work he does. Support the Average Guy Tech Scholarship Fund: WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? We now have Video Large / Small and Video iTunes options at You can contact us via email at or call in your questions or comments to be played on the show at (402) 478-8450 Full show notes and video at Listen Mobile: Jim’s Twitter: #!/jcollison Contact Christian: Contact the show at Find this and other great Podcasts from the Average Guy Network at Music courtesy of Ryan King. Check out the Die Hard Cafe band and other original works at: /

Podcast Reviews

Really enjoy the podcast. Each week’s episode provides a wide variety of topics and tech gadgets out there. The guests are always knowledge and add tremendous depth to the podcast. Keep it up, guys.

OK - I'm a Tech Geek

July 22, 2017 by stevesleep from United States

I admit it. I love tech. I can't get involved in everything so it's great listening to Home Gadget Geeks. Keeps me updated on everything from blockchains to BBQ. Good job Jim and Mike!

Great show, Outstanding Host

December 2, 2016 by Ross Brand from United States

I am not only a fan of Jim Collison's podcasts, but I had the priviledge to be a guest on Home Gadget Geeks. Jim is a terrific interviewer and facilitiates informative and entertaining conversations. For anyone who wants to improve at podcasting, Jim is an excellent resource to follow and learn from. I highly recommend subscribing to Home Gadget Geeks and checking out the rest of Jim's content at theaverageguy.tv website.

I’m not one of those subscribe-to-every-tech podcast out there kinda guys. I’m technically inclined, but bored easily with those high brow “I”m the smartest guy in the room and want everybody to know it.” Jim is a terrific host and conversationalist. I can easily listen to Jim and his guests knowing I may be the dumbest guy in the room, but they always make me feel smarter for listening.

Informative and entertaining

October 6, 2014 by mavace from United States

There is a reason I look forward to this show each week and that is because it is the perfect mix of information and entertainment. Jim and his guests are great to listen to and I come away having learned something every week.

VPNs for secure WiFi, ethical hacking, and more, great stuff!

June 23, 2014 by tinkererguy from United States

I always enjoy listening to Christian, and the various guests Jim just keeps managing to find. You'll want to pay attention to this podcast, it requires it, in a good way!

Great show

August 4, 2013 by vitony from United States

One of the best shows for the home pc enthusiast. I've been listening to it each week for over two years and I'd highly recommend it. Jim and team are very professional and the show is very informative.

What would we do without you?

August 15, 2012 by Hyper-VG from Canada

This is one podcast you dont want to miss. They may talk alot of tech but they make it so anyone can understand it. Dont get lost in the tech jungle list to what they say and do your research. Subscribe and be treated to a ton of knowlage.

Great tech show

August 14, 2012 by erik_the_tall from United States

Jim is a nut! A tech nut! Great show for folks looking to scratch their tech itch.

Awesome show!

August 12, 2012 by misslissa808 from United States

so sorry, seems i left a review under my husband's name of pytheas2.0! LOL! well, now he is subscribed :) but thanks for hosting a great show with a variety of information! I'm a photographer and no where near knowing about techy stuff, so maybe i'll learn a thing or two and impress my husband ;)

Thanks for this great podcast !

July 31, 2012 by Ryan Heatherly from Australia

Just wanted to let you guys know that this is a good podcast to subsribe to, to get the latest news on the tech scene :)
Networking, Phones, Servers. All you need. And they do host giveaways of exciting products every now and then :)

Excellent Podcast!!

July 31, 2012 by Rocky53382456 from United States

Easily a winner when it comes to knowing their stuff!! These guys always seem to know what I am thinking, and just put the info out there! Keep up the great work, Hands down, the friendliest bunch around!

Take it from me

July 30, 2012 by RichinFL from United States

If you have a connected home, you owe it to yourself to listen to this podcast. The tips, tricks and news save me tons of time from browsing a ton of websites constantly.

Great!

July 25, 2012 by Kaylley Williams from United States

Pretty Tech savvy. Thanks!

Great Info

July 25, 2012 by Katja Wright Photography from United States

Very informative and also entertaining - keep up the good work!

Great info

July 25, 2012 by NickAMoore from United States

Excellent show with information you can use.

Great resource!

July 25, 2012 by vegasstace from United States

Informative and entertaining!

Becoming My Favorite Podcast

July 24, 2012 by awraynor from United States

I first hear Jim over at the HomeServer Show podcast. I quickly became interested in a home server after my
desktop literally crashed (was knocked over) by my 13 year old. My wife then game me carte blanche to recover
my wedding/honeymoon photos and then guarantee they were never at risk again.
When he went out on his own at theaverageguy I made sure to listen every week. His cohosts are great, with
Christian making me feel like such an underachiever. When you realize how young he is you will feel the same
way too. I also like how the internet/podcasts have helped tech geeks from all over the world come together
and discuss their common interests.
Subscribe, you won't be disappointed.

Great Tech Show

July 23, 2012 by G.WadeTech from United States

I am one of the rotational guest on the show. I enjoy my turn in talking about tech with the regulars and enjoy listening to the show weekly. I like that The Home Tech Podcast brings together a good group of people and is such a nice community to learn from. Thanks for the oppurtunities and the podcasts... keep them going.

Good stuff

July 23, 2012 by Busy busy 123 from United States

Great show; thanks for sharing your knowledge in an easy to understand way!

Great Podcast

July 23, 2012 by Samantha Beauchamp from United States

Found out about you from the Jpeg2Raw podcast awhile back! Great stuff here!

Great show for the home tech nerd :-)

July 23, 2012 by juanissimo from United States

Great show for the home tech nerd. :-)

Excellent Show

April 15, 2012 by Joe_Miner from United States

Excellent tech show for the average guy that provides the information we need.

Home Tech delivered with fun.

December 12, 2011 by ukhomeservershowgeek from United Kingdom

Great team of tech heads spun out from the homeservershow. Great listening for all home tech including home storage and pc based homes. One of my top 5 podcasts. I am in UK but all good from US and AUS perspective.

The Home Tech Podcast

October 25, 2011 by random.rich from United States

This is a great show! with an interesting mix of guests and topics. Jim pulls from his circle of tech friends to round out his weekly podcast discussions.